He also accused the club of ‘breaking promises’ over the signing of new players, said the club’s hierarchy was ‘weak’ for listening to players’ grievances against him, and insisted he was too good a manager for the squad he had to work with.

As a club, Sunderland have retained a dignified silence since sacking the controversial Italian was dismissed after a disastrous start to the season.

But after Di Canio spoke out at the weekend, Sunderland today issued a statement in which they pointed out that the severance package agreed when he was dismissed included a confidentiality clause and indicating that the club is taking advice over whether the terms of that agreement have been breached.

The statement read: “Sunderland AFC would like to express its’ disappointment in relation to the disparaging comments made recently by Paolo Di Canio, regarding the club and its players.

“The club is immensely proud of its players for the dignified and restrained manner in which they have conducted themselves publicly since Mr Di Canio’s departure and it is particularly disappointing to read such comments when there are legal obligations in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur.

“The club is now considering its position with its legal representatives.

“Having reached a cup final for the first time in 22 years, whilst also enjoying a run of only two losses in 12 games, we want to focus on what is a positive time for the football club and we would hope it is possible to draw a line under this matter quickly and that there will be no repetition.

“Neither the club, head coach Gus Poyet nor the players will be making any further comment on the situation. We are looking forward, not back and are focusing on the vital games we have ahead of us.”